NCIt definition : A benzonaphthyridine derivative, with antimalarial and potential antiviral activities.
Upon administration, pyronaridine inhibits the formation of beta-hematin, which results
in the accumulation of toxic heme within the parasite. In addition, pyronaridine inhibits
glutathione-dependent degradation of hematin. This promotes hematin-induced lysis
of red blood cells (RBCs), resulting in parasite death. Pyronaridine also exhibits
antiviral activity against some viruses in vitro, including Ebola (EBOV) and severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses.;